No Criminal Charges from State fair Ride Accident

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--The Ohio State Highway Patrol says it has completed its investigation into the fatal ride accident at the Ohio State Fair on July 26th, and the Franklin County Prosecutor has determined there is not enough evidence to proceed with a criminal case.

The patrol forwarded its findings to the prosecutor, who made the final decision on the matter. 

Part of the "Fire Ball" ride broke off during operation on the fair's first day in 2017, killing one person, and injuring seven others. 

Troopers interviewed over 80 witnesses related to the investigation, including those on the ride at the time of the accident. Inspections of the ride were also completed.

Earlier inspections of the ride determined that excessive corrosion led to part of the metal on the ride to break off.

With the criminal portion of the investigation complete, the ride will remain securely stored at the Ohio Expo Center until it is released to the owner, Amusements of America. 

The family of 18-year-old Tyler Jarrell, who died in the accident, has indicated it plans to file a wrongful death lawsuit. 


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